Venus Williams on her diet: Life is too short to not love what you’re eating

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Former World No. 1 Venus Williams spoke about her diet in a recent interview to Women's Health. Williams is a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and says she started eating vegan food for health reasons. "I started eating raw and vegan for health reasons.

I needed to fuel my body in the best way possible. Knowing how important a role my diet plays keeps me on track. "I try to make the majority of my meals raw and vegan, but I’m only human and am known to cheat a little bit.

I joke that I’m a 'chegan' because sometimes I’ve been known to stray." Here is what Venus says she has for her meals on most days - Breakfast - "I’m not a morning person or a big breakfast eater. I do need some fuel to get me going, but find it hard to scarf down a big meal first thing when I wake up, so I’ll usually have something light like fruit or a protein shake." Lunch - Depending on how much time I have for lunch and what my schedule looks like, lunch can vary from sweet potatoes and rice to a green smoothie.

Eating is part of the job when I’m competing, so I make sure to get some protein and carbs. After a match, I’ll usually have a protein shake with a plant-based milk and protein powder and then eat a real meal shortly after." Snacks - "I’m often running from multiple practices to meetings for EleVen or calls with my design company, V Starr, so I am always looking for little things that are easy to bring on-the-go.

Clif Bars are great when I’m super busy; they are small-but-mighty and fill me up quickly. You'll often find me snacking on kale chips in meetings. Green juice and smoothies—and protein shakes, if I'm coming straight from practice—are also my go-to’s.

I need foods that are tasty and convenient, but still pack a punch and keep me going, whether I’m on the court or in a meeting." Dinner - "For dinner, I love vegan Caesar salads because they are super easy. I can whip it up quickly whether I’m at home or in a hotel room at a tournament." Venus isn't the only one on the vegan train.

These other icons swear by eating only plants, too: Dessert - "When I’m training I really try to practice self-control, but sometimes a girl just needs a donut! I have found it’s easier to curb those cravings by finding foods that are still sweet but also healthy, like a juice or a smoothie..

Venus signs off about her diet, saying, "It's all about moderation. Life is too short to not love what you’re eating."